HATAGO ISEN
2455 Yuzawa Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata
Ph: +81(0)25-784-3361
Inspiration
Hatago Onsen is directly opposite the West Exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station and it owes its existence to the discovery of an onsen in that part of Yuzawa. Its roots and concept put it in the position of a gateway to the local region.
The Unique Position of the Hatago Inns
A hatago was a type of inn at a post town along a main travelling route. It was the lodging type for the normal person rather than the officials who stayed at a different kind of accommodation. The hatagos soon started to occupy a unique position in the town as a place where people came to congregate and exchange information. Hatago Isen carries on these traditions as a welcoming rest stop on your journey, a place to meet people, and as a gateway to the local region.
Yukiguni Gastronomy
The restaurant at Hatago Isen is an intimate affair with an open kitchen that lets you feel close to the action. The menu is a celebration of the best of Snow Country food culture blended with more modern influences. Traditional ingredients that were needed to survive a long winter served in innovative ways, local ingredients with the exact taste of the season, and ways of preparing that have been passed down through the generations, and all of this is paired with delicious local sake or wine. Sometimes it is also possible to do a tour of the kitchen and learn from the head chef about the influences and techniques that make Snow Country gastronomy so special.
A Showcase for the Region
The historical roots of the hatago can also be found in the ground floor shop and cafe. There you can find special local brands and the goods that are used in the ryokan itself. It serves as a bridge between the local area and the visitors. Again it is a very intimate experience and expresses the individual personality of the ryokan while allowing the guests to easily discover the true tastes and terroir of the region.
Recommended
Explore the life and culture of Yukiguni through one of the unique local experiences available.
The Gateway to Snow Country via Hatago Isen
Hatago Isen has a range of discovery tours that let visitors experience some of the history and culture of the area through food or activities. Some of the previous versions of the tour have included foraging for mushrooms in fall or for mountain plants in spring with a local guide and then preparing the haul alongside the head chef in a private dining room. The tours on offer are intended to give a glimpse into the way of life in Yukiguni.
Stylish Rooms with Traditional Roots
The hatago tradition was for short stays as travelers moved along their way, rather than the longer stays typical at bigger onsen ryokans. The rooms at a hatago were smaller but even today the comfort is first rate. Hatago Isen has stylish modern rooms that manage to combine traditional aspects with some chic touches.
Comfort
Hatago inns were used by travelers passing through and aimed to give them the chance to rest, dine, and enjoy before continuing their journey. The modern twist on this concept is embraced at Hatago Isen.
Stylish Rooms with Traditional Roots
The hatago tradition was for short stays as travelers moved along their way, rather than the longer stays typical at bigger onsen ryokans. The rooms at a hatago were smaller but even today the comfort is first rate. Hatago Isen has stylish modern rooms that manage to combine traditional aspects with some chic touches.
Auberge-style Accommodation
The rooms are exceedingly comfortable and the decor is soothing, but one of the main highlights of staying here has to be the cuisine. The quality food and drink available both here at the ryokan, and close by in restaurants run by Hatago Isen, mean that you could use the onsen and room as a place to relax between meals.
Intimate and Friendly
The compact size of Hatago Isen allows the guest to feel close to the attentive staff. Whether you are dining, passing through to your room, or enjoying a coffee made with onsen water at the cafe, you feel welcome and know that service is close at hand should you need anything.
Don't Miss...
There is an irori in the lobby lounge. The traditional style open hearth was an integral part of Yukiguni culture and is a wonderful place to feel the original sense of a hatago as you sit around the red glow and enjoy a night cap with your fellow travelers.
The sister ryokan of Hatago Isen is ryugon in Minami Uonuma. It is a very different style so definitely worth visiting as well. Staying at both gives a wonderfully contrasting experience that lets you enjoy the different aspects available in Yukiguni. There is a shuttle bus from Hatago Isen to ryugon so it is possible to savor a long, lazy lunch at Hatago Isen before heading up for your stay in ryugon.
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